Environmental Science

LAUREN LATURNUS

Lauren chose to study environmental science because of her passion for animal well-being and conservation, hoping to arm herself with the knowledge and skills to launch a career where she can have a meaningful impact on the preservation of species affected by climate change. Ocean mammals and birds are some of the affected species she’s most interested in. It’s a crucial time for this work, she says. “Action at all levels must be taken now.”

Lauren works as a research assistant for Ruth Joy, a professor in SFU’s School of Environmental Science. She’s been researching the impacts of ocean vessels on cetaceans, and while working in the field she was among the first to spot the newest calf born in K-pod, the smallest of three local families of endangered orcas.